Swiatek's sensational start to the WTA Finals: outclassing Vondrousova in a resounding triumph

Iga Swiatek put on a strong performance in her debut at the 2023 WTA Finals, defeating Marketa Vondrousova with a score of 7-6(3), 6-0.

On the second day of competition at the WTA Finals, it was the Chetumal group's turn to take the court. The day kicked off with a match between the world No. 2, Iga Swiatek, and the world No. 7, Marketa Vondrousova.

The Polish player came to the tournament with aspirations of returning to the world No. 1 ranking, although her chances depend on what Aryna Sabalenka can achieve in the tournament. Swiatek needs to win all her matches, become the tournament champion, and hope that Sabalenka loses her remaining two matches, failing to advance in the round-robin stage.

Swiatek's last tournament appearance was at the China Open three weeks ago, where she clinched the title by defeating Samsonova in the final, marking her only WTA 1000 victory of the season.

Vondrousova arrived at the tournament with more uncertainties than certainties regarding the level she could display. Since the US Open in early September, the Czech player had only participated in one tournament, the China Open, where she was eliminated in the first round by Kalinina. The defending Wimbledon champion acknowledged upon arriving in Cancun that she was not in her best form.

Despite this, Vondrousova began the match with concentration, breaking Swiatek in the very first game and quickly taking a 2-0 lead. Although Swiatek managed to recover the break and level the set at 2-2, her level dropped afterward. As a result, Vondrousova broke Swiatek's serve twice, taking a 5-2 lead.

Swiatek then won the next four games in succession, taking the set to a tie-break, which she controlled, ultimately winning 7-6(3).

After the time out between sets, Swiatek began to assert her dominance over the Czech opponent, who struggled to regain her footing in the match. The second set witnessed more pronounced disparities, ultimately tilting the contest in favor of the 4-times Grand Slam champion, who swiftly secured the set with a 6-0 scoreline.

With the first match decided, both players will face two more challenges against their groupmates Ons Jabeur (6th) and Coco Gauff (3rd), who will play in the late-night session on Tuesday, October 30th.